The Weeknd Reveals Why He’s Retiring His Stage Name After ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

The Weeknd Reveals Why He’s Retiring His Stage Name After ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

The Weeknd, known for redefining modern pop and R&B, has announced plans to retire his iconic stage name after the release of his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. While the news has shocked fans worldwide, the artist reassures us that his musical journey is far from over.

Why The Weeknd is Bidding Farewell to His Persona

In a candid interview with Variety published on January 10, the multi-Grammy-winning singer revealed his decision to step away from his alter ego. “I’m closing the chapter on The Weeknd,” he said. “It’s a space I no longer want to be in. This persona brought immense success, but it also brought relentless pressure—more hits, more tours, more awards, and constant competition. It’s never-ending unless you decide to end it.”

The Weeknd Reveals Why He’s Retiring His Stage Name After ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

The turning point came during his 2022 concert in Los Angeles when The Weeknd lost his voice mid-performance and had to cancel the show. Reflecting on the moment, he shared, “Part of me thought, ‘This is it. You’ve said all you need to say. Why stay longer at the party when you can leave on a high note?’”

What’s Next for The Artist?

Despite retiring the name that propelled him to global stardom, The Weeknd—whose real name is Abel Tesfaye—made it clear that he isn’t stepping away from music altogether. “I don’t think I can stop making music,” he confessed. “But I need new challenges. The Weeknd, as a character, is something I’ve mastered. No one can do The Weeknd better than me, and I’ve reached its peak.”

He also expressed excitement about exploring other creative avenues, including acting and filmmaking. “This is why I’m so thrilled about my film projects—it’s a new challenge, something fresh. I just want to see what comes next,” he concluded.

Hints of Retirement Were Always There

Fans may recall that The Weeknd has been dropping cryptic hints about this transition for some time. In May 2022, he posted an Instagram Story quoting a fan account’s observation about his daring live performance of “Save Your Tears” at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The post read, “The trust with those cars is insane. He’s so calm while vehicles speed past him—it’s surreal.”

Alongside the quote, he cryptically added, “The end is near.” Many fans misinterpreted this as a signal that his musical career was ending entirely. However, it now seems he was referring only to the retirement of his stage persona.

The Weeknd Reveals Why He’s Retiring His Stage Name After ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’—A Final Bow for The Weeknd

The Weeknd’s upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, marks the last chapter for his alter ego. While the details of the album remain under wraps, fans are bracing themselves for an emotional and impactful farewell.

Abel Tesfaye’s journey as The Weeknd has been nothing short of extraordinary. From early hits like “House of Balloons” to global anthems like “Blinding Lights”, his artistry has redefined the music industry. As he prepares to close this chapter, fans can only wonder what challenges—and triumphs—await him in the next phase of his creative evolution.

Stay tuned for Hurry Up Tomorrow, and remember: this may be the end of The Weeknd, but it’s far from the end of Abel Tesfaye.1

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